Winterization

How Do I Winterize My Sprinkler System?

Preparing your irrigation system for the cold, winter months (winterization) is an absolute necessity. If not done properly or at all, your system will likely incur expensive damage over the winter, including frozen and burst pipes.

We encourage you to contact a professional for this process, but if you choose to winterize yourself, here are some good tips to remember:

Prepare Your Control System

Be sure to ready your system’s controller along with your pipes as you winterize. Most controllers offer a way to “shut down” the automatic watering schedule without losing programmed information or erasing the proper time/day settings. If your system doesn’t have this function, simply shut it down knowing you’ll need to reprogram the clock and schedules in the spring. As an integral part of your irrigation system, the main shut off valve will need protection from freezing. The main shut off valve and any above-ground piping should be wrapped in insulation to protect from frigid winter temperatures. Many home supply stores offer foam insulating tubes or self-sticking foam-insulating tape that work well for winter protection.

Drain Your System

Because water expands as it freezes, you’ll need to drain the water from your pipes before the temperatures get frigid. There are multiple ways to do this, including manual or automatic draining, or the “blow out” method. We reiterate, however, that we recommend hiring a professional to ensure that the process gets done safely and efficiently. A-Team Irrigation specializes in Sioux City underground sprinkler maintenance, and offers winterization in our bi-annual maintenance plans.

Follow Our Steps Below on How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Because water expands as it freezes, you’ll need to drain the water from your pipes before the temperatures get frigid. There are multiple ways to do this, including manual or automatic draining, or the “blow out” method. We reiterate, however, that we recommend hiring a professional to ensure that the process gets done safely and efficiently. A-Team Irrigation specializes in Sioux City underground sprinkler maintenance, and offers winterization in our bi-annual maintenance plans.

What You Will Need

Flat blade screwdriver

Channel locks

A small bucket

Begin by going downstairs and locating your water meter. It is brass, will be positioned knee-high, and is connected to a pipe coming out of the concrete floor. Follow the piping up to where it tees off; the new pipe is the sprinkler line.

Turn the ball valve handle 1⁄4 turn to the right. Above it, open the hose bib draining the remaining water into a small bucket.

Leave the hose bib open for the winter with the bucket below it.

From here, head outside and locate your backflow preventer. This is typically found on the side of the house, is brass in color, and has two green handles.

Take your flat blade screwdriver and open both test ports by turning them a 1⁄4 turn to the right and leave them open for the winter .

Now turn both green handles so they are positioned half on, half off in a 45 degree angle.

Finally, locate all green boxes in the yard and pull off the top green lid. If they have a red plastic piece inside, put the lid back on and go to the next box. If they have a brass hose bib, turn the handle a 1⁄4 turn left so water can drain, and leave open all winter.

Turn clock to off. Your system is winterized!

Homeowner Dale Gaswint

“Thanks for the great job your guys did on my sprinkler system. My wife and I are very happy with the work they did.”

Homeowner Dale Gaswint

Homeowner Kim Munn

“We have used A-Team Irrigation for several years and have never been disappointed in their prompt and affordable services. A-Team revived our yard by correcting several issues overlooked by our previous provider. If you are looking for reliable service we recommend A-Team”

Homeowner Kim Munn

Mark Osborne, Primebank

“I’ve trusted Paul and his team of professionals at A-Team Irrigation for all of my sprinkler needs as well as other services including new install, maintenance, spring start up, fall shut down, underground wiring, and lighting. Each and every time Paul and his team have exceeded my expectations by providing reliable and prompt service as well as excellent pricing! I would highly recommend A-Team Irrigation to all of my family and friends!”

Mark Osborne, Primebank

Contact Us Today!

Save water and money with A-Team Irrigation. Call us at712-560-1620 or fill out our form to request a free estimate!